"That thou didst also say to Annadoah, whom thou didst seek before me."

Papik was silent; it was true that Ahningnetty was only a second choice.

At that moment an ominous noise was heard on the sea. The tide, in
moving, caused the massive floe-ice to grate against that adhering to
the shore. To the simple natives, the noise indicated something more
sinister.

"Hearest that?" Ahningnetty asked.

"Yea," replied Papik, "_Qulutaligssuaq_, the monster who lives in the
sea, cometh with his hammers."

"He cometh to steal the children. In winter he is very hungry."

"They say he frightens people to death when a baby which is fatherless
screams."

"And after he heats his ladles, the babies often die."

Again the grating noise shuddered along the shore, and Ahningnetty,
frightened, fled to her house. Papik, pursuing his way, accosted Ootah.

As they were speaking they saw Otaq and his wife emerge from their
house. Between them they carried a small stark body. The woman was
weeping piteously. It was their child, which a brief while before had
died. The sea monster had again claimed its human toll.